Vest adjustment system

ABSTRACT

A vest adjustment system includes a plurality of first couplers on a first front portion of a vest and a plurality of second couplers on a second front portion of the vest. The first couplers may receive a first cord, and the second couplers may receive a second cord. A first adjuster may couple to a first bottom edge and receive the first cord. In a similar manner, a second adjuster may couple to a second bottom edge and receive the second cord. One or more removably attachable couplers may attach the first cord to the second cord, allowing a user to adjust the vest. The vertical and horizontal tightness and position of the vest may be adjusted by pulling each cord.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to vests. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a vest adjustment system to increase comfort, fit,and adjustability of the vest.

BACKGROUND

Race vests are typically designed to hold or carry fluids, food,supplements, hydration, clothing, hiking poles, climbing gear, skis, andother necessities. Vests may be desirable in many technical fields andfor participation in outdoor sports including skiing, walking, running,biking, hiking, mountaineering, climbing, and riding ATV and similarrecreational vehicles. These vests have traditionally been fastened,closed, or attached with the use of buckles or other hardware that areoften heavy, cumbersome, and without flexibility to accommodate normalmovement and breathing. They also have a tendency to not stay adjustedto the correct fit, but often loosen in the activity and requirereadjustment.

Traditional systems have extra webbing or other attachment materialsthat are left lengthened to allow for adjustment to different shapes;these ends are difficult to tuck away and maintain without floppingaround the wearer. Further, to prevent flapping, a user will oftentighten the vest significantly, which can restrict the lungs and make itmore difficult to breathe.

Additionally, customizing the length of the prior art straps is not easyand often requires the wearer to stop and look at the straps whilemaking adjustments and dealing with buckles.

Accordingly, there is a need for vest adjustment system that does nothave loose straps, does not flop, can be easily adjusted, and that doesnot inhibit breathing. The present vest adjustment system seeks to solvethese and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a vest adjustment system comprises a plurality offirst couplers on a first front portion of a vest and a plurality ofsecond couplers on a second front portion of the vest. The plurality offirst couplers attach to a first edge on the first front portion. Theplurality of second couplers attach to a second edge on the second frontportion. The first couplers may receive a first cord, and the secondcouplers may receive a second cord. The first and second cords may be anelastic material.

A first adjuster may couple to a first bottom edge and receive the firstcord. In a similar manner, a second adjuster may couple to a secondbottom edge and receive the second cord. More specifically, first andsecond toggle spring-stops may couple to the vest at the first andsecond bottom edges via one of the plurality of first and secondcouplers, respectively. One or more removably attachable couplers mayattach to the first cord and/or second cord. The removably attachablecouplers may allow the first front portion to be attached to the secondfront portion via the first cord and second cord.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system with asingle removably attachable coupler attached to an upper portion of afirst cord and a second cord;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system with asingle removably attachable coupler attached to a middle portion offirst cord and a second cord; and

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a vest adjustment system withmultiple removably attachable couplers.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustmentsystem in a loosened configuration;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustmentsystem coupled to a user;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustmentsystem in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustmentsystem in a loosened configuration;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a race vest with a vest adjustmentsystem in a tightened configuration;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a vest adjustment system; and

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a vest coupled to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are notto be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “theinvention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exactfeatures or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarilyincludes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further,repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,”do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure usingvarious numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafteronly and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not beconsidered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of thatparticular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment tothe other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts,although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, suchterms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customarymeaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industryand without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafterdescribed. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one ormore items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or”denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality ofitems of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequenceand/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methodsare not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence,arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, thesteps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried outin various sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in directphysical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as usedwith respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intendedas “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

While examples herein may relate to a “race vest,” it will beappreciated that the present invention is not limited to racing alone.Indeed, the vest disclosed herein may be used for physical activities,including hiking, biking, archeology, or numerous other industries wherea user could benefit from an easy access vest that does not inhibitbreathing and that allows heat to adequately escape.

As discussed above, there is a need for vest adjustment system that doesnot have loose straps, does not flop, can be easily adjusted, and thatdoes not inhibit breathing. The race vest disclosed below solves theseand other problems.

Race vests have traditionally been fastened, closed, or attached withthe use of buckles or other hardware that are often heavy, cumbersome,and without flexibility to accommodate normal movement and breathing.They also have a tendency to not stay adjusted to the correct fit, butoften loosen in the activity and require readjustment. This isespecially true as a user races and his/her breathing changes, as doesthe positioning of the vest. Additionally, traditional systems may haveextra webbing or other attachment materials that are left long so as toadjust to different shapes, and these long, loose ends are difficult totuck. Additionally, adjusting many traditional race vests requiresseparate straps to adjust the vest horizontally and vertically in aneffort to achieve the optimal positioning and comfort.

The vest adjustment system described herein comprises, generally, afirst cord coupled to a first front portion of a vest and a second cordcoupled to a second front portion of the vest. Removably attachablecouplers may couple to the first or second cord, thereby allowing thefirst cord to couple to the second cord or vice versa. After a usercouples the cord together via the removably attachable couplers, theuser may then tighten the vest by pulling on both cords simultaneouslyat a first bottom edge and a second bottom edge of the vest, therebyallowing the vest to simultaneously adjust vertically and horizontally.It will be appreciated that the vest adjustment system removes bulky,cumbersome buckles found in the prior art and allows a user to makevertical and horizontal adjustments to their vest while running orstationary.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, a vest adjustment system 100comprises a plurality of first couplers 102 on a first front portion 104of a vest 106 and a plurality of second couplers 108 on a second frontportion 110 of the vest 106. The plurality of first couplers 102 attachto a first edge 112 on the first front portion 104. The plurality ofsecond couplers 108 attach to a second edge 114 on the second frontportion 110. A void 115 is interposed between the first edge 112 and thesecond edge 114. Further, the first and second couplers 102, 108 may bespaced apart along the first edge 112 and second edge 114, respectively,at an identical distance so as equalize adjustment of the vest 106, asdiscussed herein below. The first and second couplers 102, 108 may be amaterial (e.g., nylon webbing) that is looped and sewn into the vest106. In some embodiments, the looped couplers 102, 108 may comprise areflective material so as to provide protection to a runner during thedark hours of a day. While the first and second couplers 102, 108 areshown as being a loop of material, it will be appreciated that othercouplers may be used, such as plastic hooks or loops.

The first couplers 102 may receive a first cord 116 and the secondcouplers 108 may receive a second cord 118. The first and second cords116, 118 may be secured to the vest 106 at their respective ends so asto prevent accidental removal from the vest 106. Furthermore, the firstand second cords 116, 118 may be slidable within the first and secondcouplers 102, 108, respectively. The first and second cords 116, 118 maybe an elastic material. It will be appreciated that the elastic materialmay allow the vest 106 to remain tightly secured to a user when coupledtogether, while at the same time allowing for flexibility with increasedbreathing and movement. It could be envisioned that other materials maybe used instead of materials having elastic properties, such as nylonwebbing.

A first adjuster 120 (e.g., drawstring toggle spring-stop) may couple toa first bottom edge 122 and receive the first cord 116. In a similarmanner, a second adjuster 124 (e.g., drawstring toggle spring-stop) maycouple to a second bottom edge 126 and receive the second cord 118. Morespecifically, the first and second toggle spring-stops 120, 124 maycouple to the vest 106 at the first and second bottom edges 122, 126 viaone of the plurality of first and second couplers 102, 108,respectively. While the first and second toggle spring-stops 120, 124are shown coupled to the vest 106 by using the first and second couplers102, 108, it will be appreciated that other means of attachment may beused, such as metal couplers, strings, elastics, or other device ormaterial to secure the couplers 120, 124 to the vest 106. It willfurther be appreciated that the first and second toggle spring-stops120, 124 may also be at other locations, such as coupled to the firstedge 112 and second edge 114, respectively, or any other location on thefirst front portion 104 and the second front portion 110. Furthermore,while the drawstring toggle-spring stops may be shown, it will beappreciated that other adjustment mechanisms may be used, such askeyhole style cord locks or wheeled cord locks.

To adjust the vest 106 to a user, one or more removably attachablecouplers 128 may be used. In particular, the first front portion 104 andthe second front portion 110 of the vest 106 may be coupled to eachother via the one or more removably attachable couplers 128. Theremovably attachable couplers 128 may be hooks, hook and loop, singlegated carabiners, double gated carabiners, or any other mechanism tocouple the first cord 116 to the second cord 118. The removablyattachable couplers 128 may be removed and coupled to either the firstcord 116 or the second cord 118 so as to accommodate the dominant handof a user. For example, the couplers 128 may comprise a partially closedhook on each end, with one hook being more tightly closed than theother, such that the intent is for that portion to remain hooked (i.e.,not as easily removed) while the other end, with the more open hook,functions as the quick-release coupler end. In this way, a right-handeduser may couple the closed hook side of the coupler 128 to the firstcord 116 while a left-handed user may couple the coupler 128 to thesecond cord 118. This is generally not possible with buckles on racevests in the art. Additionally, the couplers 128 may also be adjustedalong the vertical length of the first or second cords 116, 118 toaccommodate positioning across a user's torso. This allows a user toselect the optimal position for comfort. For example, some users mayprefer the cords 116, 118 to be coupled across the sternum, while othermay prefer a different location. Additionally, a user may choose to haveone coupler 128, as shown in FIG. 2, or a plurality of couplers, asshown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 2, a single removably attachablecoupler 128 may attach to an upper portion 130 of the first and secondcords 116, 118. As shown in FIG. 3, another user may prefer it to belocated at a middle portion 132. Another user may prefer a plurality ofconnections, ensuring a snug fit, such as shown in FIG. 4 with couplersat a bottom portion 134 and top portion 130. While two couplers areshown, more may be used. Accordingly, a user may place the removablyattachable couplers 128 in numerous locations so as to customize the fitof the vest 106, something that isn't possible with vests in the priorart. In other words, prior art vests utilize straps and buckles that arenot movable, vertically, to accommodate placement on a user. Becauseeach user has a different torso (particularly between male and female)and each person has their own optimal placement, non-movable straps area problem in the art. Therefore, the adjustable couplers 128, beingvertically movable on the torso, solve a significant problem in the art.

Many race vests on the market are extremely difficult to adjust,especially while running. A lot of these difficulties come from thepositioning of the adjustment mechanisms, as well as the types ofadjustment mechanisms (e.g., straps and buckles) used on the vest. Forexample, typical race vests require a user to adjust vertical andhorizontal mechanisms, assuming the ability to adjust in both directionsis available. Adjusting these vests correctly requires a lot of timebecause a user must adjust two to four straps and buckles, separatelyadjusting each one.

In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 5-10, a user may place the vest on theirbody and attach the first and second cords 116, 118 via one or more ofthe removably attachable couplers 128 at the upper portion 130, middleportion 132, bottom portion 134, or any other location. As shown in FIG.6, once the removably attachable couplers 128 are coupled to the firstand second cords 116, 118, the user may pull the first and second cords116, 118, at the first bottom edge 122 and second bottom edge 126, whichpulls the first front portion 104 and the second front portion 110towards each other, thereby tightening the vest 106 and decreasing thewidth of the void 115. It will be appreciated that the first and secondcords 116, 118 may be pulled simultaneously or independently to adjustthe vest adjustment system 100. If the adjusters 120, 124 are togglespring-stops, the vest 106 cannot loosen once tightened and a user canadjust each side one-handedly. Further, when the first and second frontportions 104, 110 are moving towards each other, they are also adjustedvertically. Accordingly, adjusting the first and second cords 116, 118allows a user to adjust the vertical and horizontal positioning of thevest 106 at the same time, which allows a user to find the properpositioning of the vest 106 for their body type. This simultaneousadjustment of vertical and horizontal, while merely pulling on two cords(116, 118) has not been achieved by the prior art. This is important asit allows a user to make large and minute adjustments to the tightnessof the vest 106 while running or participating in other activities.Further, a user does not need to divert their eyes from the activity toadjust the vest 106.

The first adjuster 120 and the second adjuster 124 may assist the userin adjusting and securing the first and second cords 116, 118 in adesired position. Further, the first and second adjusters 120, 124 andthe excess first and second cords 116, 118, due to tightening the vest106, may be stored in cord pockets 136 and 138. The cords 116, 118 mayalso be hidden beneath a layer of the vest, as shown in FIG. 9. It willbe appreciated that having a single adjustment system that adjusts boththe vertical and horizontal adjustments allows a user to adjust the vest106 quickly and easily as well as adjust the vest 106 while running. Asshown in FIG. 11, it will further be appreciated that when the one ormore removably attachable couplers 128 attach the first cord 116 to thesecond cord 118, a storage area is created. For example, a user maystore accessories 140, such as gloves or a hat, between the first andsecond cords 116, 118 and their body.

Additionally, if the vest 106 is overtightened, a user can simplydepress the spring-top on the adjusters 120, 124 to release the cord116, 118, thereby loosening the vest 106 to a proper fit. In the priorart, particularly when straps are used, a user is required to use twohands to maneuver the strap through the buckle in order to loosen thebuckle. This may take precious time, particularly when in a foot race.Further, most straps and buckles are not forgiving, which may restrict auser's ability to breath properly. In contrast, the cords 116, 118disclosed herein are preferably elastic, allowing expansion as a userbreathes and moves. Accordingly, the vest adjustment system 100disclosed herein solves these problems.

Therefore, as appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the vestadjustment system 100 disclosed herein solves the need for a vest thatdoes not have loose straps, does not flop, can accommodate gear, thatallows heat to escape, and that does not inhibit breathing.

It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according tocertain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate,or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members,elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments.Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can becompatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated intoother embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certainfeatures relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosureshould not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of saidfeatures to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will beappreciated that other embodiments can also include said features,members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature incombination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any otherfeature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore,various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus,and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order toavoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are,however, also contemplated herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, orinstruction used in this description should be construed as important,necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such.Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described indetail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatmany modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vest adjustment system comprising: a vestcomprising a first front portion and a second front portion, the firstfront portion having a plurality of first couplers extending therefrom,and the second front portion having a plurality of second couplersextending therefrom; a first cord slidably coupled to the plurality offirst couplers, the first cord adjustable via a first adjuster; a secondcord slidably coupled to the plurality of second couplers, the secondcord adjustable via a second adjuster; one or more removably attachablecouplers to attach the first cord to the second cord.
 2. The vestadjustment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first couplerscouple to a first edge on the first front portion.
 3. The vestadjustment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of second couplerscouple to a second edge of the second front portion.
 4. The vestadjustment system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first couplersand the plurality of second couplers each comprise a material that islooped and coupled to the vest.
 5. The vest adjustment system of claim4, wherein the material comprises a reflective material.
 6. The vestadjustment system of claim 1, wherein the first cord and the second cordcomprise elastics.
 7. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein thefirst adjuster and second adjuster are each drawstring togglespring-stops.
 8. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein thefirst adjuster is coupled to a first bottom edge of the first frontportion.
 9. The vest adjustment system of claim 8, wherein the firstadjuster is coupled to one of the plurality of first couplers at thefirst bottom edge.
 10. The vest adjustment system of claim 1, whereinthe second adjuster is coupled to a second bottom edge of the secondfront portion.
 11. The vest adjustment system of claim 11, wherein thesecond adjuster is coupled to one of the plurality of second couplers atthe second bottom edge.
 12. The vest adjustment system of claim 1,wherein the one or more removably attachable couplers attach at an upperportion and bottom portion of the first cord and second cord.
 13. Thevest adjustment system of claim 1, wherein the removably attachablecouplers attach at an upper portion of the first cord and second cord.14. A vest adjustment system comprising: a vest comprising a first frontportion and a second front portion, the first front portion having afirst edge with a plurality of first couplers extending therefrom, andthe second front portion having a second edge with a plurality of secondcouplers extending therefrom; a first cord attached to the plurality offirst couplers and slidable therein, the first cord adjustable via afirst adjuster coupled to a first bottom edge of the vest; a second cordattached to the plurality of second couplers and slidable therein, thesecond cord adjustable via a second adjuster coupled to a second bottomedge of the vest; and one or more removably attachable couplers tocouple the first cord to the second cord; wherein when the first cordand the second cord are each pulled downwardly at the first bottom edgeand the second bottom edge, the distance between the first edge andsecond edge is decreased.
 15. The vest adjustment system of claim 14,wherein the plurality of first couplers and the plurality of secondcouplers each comprise a material that is looped and coupled to thevest.
 16. The vest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the first cordand the second cord comprise an elastic material.
 17. The vestadjustment system of claim 14, wherein the first adjuster and secondadjuster comprise drawstring toggle spring-stops.
 18. The vestadjustment system of claim 14, wherein the first adjuster is coupled toone of the plurality of first couplers at the first bottom edge.
 19. Thevest adjustment system of claim 14, wherein the second adjuster iscoupled to one of the plurality of second couplers at the second bottomedge.